Associate Category Manager - Global Procurement

Associate Category Manager – Global Procurement

Requisition Number: R235525
Company:
Mattel HQ, Inc.

Location:

El Segundo, California
Address: 333 Continental Blvd, 90245
Job Category:
Purchasing
Pay Range: USD $109,000 – $131,000 yearly

The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range; base pay will be determined based on a candidate's work location, skills and experience.

Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential.

As a Category Manager in our Global Procurement team, you will lead strategic sourcing initiatives for critical logistics categories such as robotics, automation and material handling equipment. You will partner with cross‑functional teams to drive cost savings, negotiate with top‑tier vendors, and ensure our logistics network remains lean, agile and ready for anything.

• Own and develop category strategies for logistics activities, grounded in data, forecasts and stakeholder needs.
• Lead full‑cycle sourcing initiatives (RFI/RFQ/RFP) globally, managing projects from strategy through vendor selection and contract closeout.
• Drive strategic decision‑making by evaluating leasing vs buying options for CAPEX to achieve the best financial outcome.
• Act as the category expert: track industry trends, evaluate supplier capabilities, and continuously refine sourcing strategies to align with business goals.
• Drive supplier performance through KPIs, operational scorecards and relationship management (SRM).
• Partner cross‑functionally with Finance, Legal and Logistics teams to align sourcing activities with company objectives.
• Influence and negotiate at all levels, from frontline suppliers to senior stakeholders, ensuring best‑in‑class deals and sustainable partnerships.
• Contribute to strategic planning by supporting budgeting, forecasting and logistics roadmap development.

• 3‑5 years of strategic sourcing experience (bonus if in logistics or supply chain categories).
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance or a related field (MBA preferred).
• Top‑notch negotiation skills and the ability to influence across all levels.
• Strong financial acumen and analytical skills (Excel proficiency).
• Clear, confident communication skills and executive presence.
• Experience working independently and managing multiple priorities.
• Experience developing contracts in partnership with Legal and Risk Management.

• CPG industry experience.
• Familiarity with procurement platforms (Coupa, CSO, Oracle, Infor Nexus).
• Spanish fluency (written and verbal).
• CPM or equivalent certification.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%.
• Demonstrated growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges and improving oneself.

• We collaborate: Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are performance‑driven, focused on best‑in‑class outcomes and accountability.

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.